The Department of Geography is seeking an engineer for a rare opportunity to join its highly skilled departmental technical team, supporting research-focused technical operations.
The role-holder will be responsible for running the departmental workshop and makerspace, and to contribute to departmental environmental science research focused on field deployed low-cost sensors. They will also manage communication, data storage, power delivery, weather proofing and maintenance of field equipment.
The ideal candidate will have a background in engineering, physical sciences or related discipline, with experience running or maintaining a rapid prototyping / makerspace environment, ideally within a higher education or research setting. They will have knowledge and experience of laboratory and/or workshop health and safety, general technical support/troubleshooting, training and supervision across the range of workshop-based activities.
The role reports to the Senior Technical Manager (Operations).
This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.
The successful candidate will be an active member of the King’s Technical Network, engaging in initiatives to strengthen and share best practice, with an ongoing commitment to professional development.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- Minimum level 6 qualification, e.g. degree with honours, plus work experience in a relevant field, or considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific post.
- Experience managing or running a makerspace/ workshop, ideally in a Higher Education setting.
- Extensive experience programming, coding and troubleshooting microcontroller and single board computer platforms (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32).
- Knowledge and experience of practical makerspace skills, use of hand and power tools, working with various materials, PCB design, CAD, 3D printing and prototyping.
- Knowledge of weatherproofing electronic components (moisture, UV, dust), off-grid power considerations (solar generation, power management, low-power circuit design) and wireless communication protocols (e.g. WiFi, LoRa, cellular IoT) for remote field deployment.
- Experience in providing technical support with the safe use of workshop machinery, hand/power tools and maintaining compliance with relevant safety regulations (e.g. COSHH, PUWER, risk assessments).
- Ability to plan and manage project budgets, from early prototyping to deployment and ongoing maintenance.
- Proven track record for autonomous time management, keeping and resolving conflicting priorities and ability to train staff, researchers, and technical staff of all levels.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of the function of environmental sensors; including meteorological, chemical, gaseous and physical parameters.
- Experience using geospatial equipment/UAV’s/drones and knowledge of CAA regulations.
- Formal Health and Safety qualification or willingness to gain qualifications whilst in post, e.g. NEBOSH/IOSH
- Evidence of an active commitment to professional development (such as RSci, working towards CSci
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Senior Technician (Makerspace) employer: King's College London
At King’s College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages professional development. Located in the heart of London, our institution offers unique advantages such as access to world-class resources and a vibrant community dedicated to advancing research and education.
